Gas, also called flatus or flatulence, is air in the intestine that is passed through the rectum. Air that is passed from the digestive tract through the mouth is called belching .

Alternative Names:

Flatulence (flatus)

Considerations:

Gas is formed in the intestines as food is being digested. Gas can make you feel bloated, which may cause crampy or colicky abdominal pain .

Common Causes:

Gas can be caused by any of the following:

Antibiotics

Eating foods that are difficult to digest, such as fiber . If you recently introduced fiber into your diet, having gas may be temporary. Give it a little time. Your body may adjust and stop producing gas.

Eating foods that you cannot tolerate -- for example, if you have lactose intolerance and eat dairy products